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The Venice of the North

Tsar Peter the Great founded this magnificent city in 1703 as a window to the West, a launching pad for his attempt to modernize Russia and open up to outside influences.

The architecture is varied and striking, with golden domed churches, and an astounding number of large and extravagantly decorated palaces, consistently evoking wows from visitors.

The grandest include the countryside Peterhof, with its lavish gardens and majestic golden fountains cascading down to the Gulf of Finland; and the Winter Palace, within the complex of the Hermitage, one of the world's largest museums, with a collection of some three million works of art and artifacts.

THE HERMITAGE

Located on Palace Square, the Hermitage, founded by Catherine the Great, is one of the word's greatest treasuries of art and culture. The enormous collection of over three million exhibits vies for attention with the impressive building and furnishings.

PETER AND PAUL FORTRESS

Built in 1703 on the site chosen by Peter the Great, this impressive Citadel houses the former Royal Mint, the Peter and Paul Cathedral, with its tall golden spire, and the State Museum of St. Petersburg History.

The Best of St. Petersburg

Start your day with a trip to the Hermitage complex. Following a Russian lunch, explore the Peter and Paul Fortress and Cathedral. Tour the city by boat, passing palaces and the marvelous Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood. Continue to the Fontanka, passing the famous Summer Gardens and the first Summer Palace of Peter the Great.